Mormodes (Species and Hybrids) genera, awards, species checklist, slideshow, etc.
Mormodes (Morm.): This genus is composed of over 70 species, epiphytes found especially in lower tropical forests and growing on the rotten parts of trees or fallen branches and on tree trunks. The inflorescence is produced from about the middle of fleshy pseudobulbs once the new growth matures after the dry season.
This interesting genus of small to moderately sized plants produces fragrant flowers on upright racemes. At times identified as 'the flying swallow', 'the fairy' or the 'goblin' orchid, its flowers are asymmetrical with the lip twisted to the side. Its 'perfect' flowers have both male and female segments. Some species can produce unisexual flowers that have a different appearance from the usual bisexual flowers.
Mormodes have a reputation for being more difficult to grow and are the most susceptible to rot. Great care is needed to follow the regimen of ceasing watering during the dry period and resuming only after the plant has come out of its rest and when the new growth is sufficiently developed. Clay pots are often preferred to prevent tipping over, each pot usually including only one top heavy pseudobulb in a mix of sphagnum moss and fine fir bark.
Mormodes appear to do best at lighting levels as low as 1000 footcandles, similar to Phalaenopsis. Warm day temperatures of 75-85 F (24-29 C) are preferred with a cooling down at night by 10-15 F (6-8 C). Humidity needs to be kept fairly high at 50-70%. Mormodes hybridized with Catasetums can deepen colours to almost black as witnessed in Catamodes Black Magic (Ctsm. Orchidglade x Morm. sinuata). But note the wide colour variations that are often produced.
This interesting genus of small to moderately sized plants produces fragrant flowers on upright racemes. At times identified as 'the flying swallow', 'the fairy' or the 'goblin' orchid, its flowers are asymmetrical with the lip twisted to the side. Its 'perfect' flowers have both male and female segments. Some species can produce unisexual flowers that have a different appearance from the usual bisexual flowers.
Mormodes have a reputation for being more difficult to grow and are the most susceptible to rot. Great care is needed to follow the regimen of ceasing watering during the dry period and resuming only after the plant has come out of its rest and when the new growth is sufficiently developed. Clay pots are often preferred to prevent tipping over, each pot usually including only one top heavy pseudobulb in a mix of sphagnum moss and fine fir bark.
Mormodes appear to do best at lighting levels as low as 1000 footcandles, similar to Phalaenopsis. Warm day temperatures of 75-85 F (24-29 C) are preferred with a cooling down at night by 10-15 F (6-8 C). Humidity needs to be kept fairly high at 50-70%. Mormodes hybridized with Catasetums can deepen colours to almost black as witnessed in Catamodes Black Magic (Ctsm. Orchidglade x Morm. sinuata). But note the wide colour variations that are often produced.
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